Volvo XC60 vs INFINITI QX50

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, and the controls were user-friendly, though the gear shift lever's design was somewhat unconventional.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a rear bumper that hid the tailpipes. The interior remained largely unchanged, retaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to the otherwise subdued interior. The XC60 Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Overall, the XC60's design emphasized a calm and luxurious driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its unique VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly, and the CVT provided a familiar sensory experience with simulated shift points. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode delivering brisk acceleration and increased steering effort.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, and the B6 available only with all-wheel drive. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage options and charging ports.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions. The new layout with sideways swiping made the most of the available screen space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. The QX50 also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.